Rita Ann Steichen, age 88, of East Dubuque, IL, completed her earthly journey on September 27, 2026, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Rita’s life, a private family Celebration of Life is being held.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque, IA.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Rita’s family.

Rita was born on September 23, 1938, in Dubuque, IA, a daughter to Nicholas and Margaret (Kirkpatrick) Steichen, whom she faithfully cared for until their passings.  She was a woman whose life was deeply rooted in her faith, her family, her love of teaching and the simple things in life which brought true joy to each and every day.

Rita graduated from Clarke College and was always proud of her education and accomplishments.  She soon began her career in the teaching field and loyally invested over 28 years at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Dubuque as a teacher, and eventually as a substitute teacher as retirement began.  Throughout her years she became a familiar and caring presence to generations of students.  Rita even continued her calling in the later years helping students through her time working at the Wise Owl and The Learning Corner.

Her faith-life was undeniably an important part of who Rita was.  She was a longtime member of the church community and continually shared her love for music as she sang in the church choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in East Dubuque.

Rita loved flowers, music and enjoyed playing the organ, guitar and harmonica whenever the opportunities arose.  She also treasured spending time with her family, especially her great-nieces and nephews.  Rita was also active in the Dubuque Fellowship Club where she was able to spend quality time with friends going to lunch, trying her luck that day on the bingo cards, and never opposed the chance to make a trip to the casino if that happened to be on the agenda.

One of the greatest parts of her story are the people she loved.  She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, friend and Godmother to her only Godchild, David Schick.  We are beyond heart-broken at the mere absence of Rita from our physical lives moving forward, but find peace in the knowledge that the Lord was gracious enough to share her kind and loving spirit with us for just over 88 years.  Thank you, Rita, for all of the love, light and lessons you leave behind now and may the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left to cherish the memory of Rita include,

her siblings,
Mary-Lou Konrardy, Dubuque, IA,
and Jo-Ann (Mike) Malec, Madison, WI;

her sisters-in-law,
Loretta Steichen, Dubuque, IA,
and Judy Steichen, Dubuque, IA;

her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews;

along with countless extended family, friends and neighbors whose lives she so lovingly touched throughout her years.

Rita was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Kenneth Thorn, Robert “Bill” (MaryAnn) Steichen, Bob Steichen, Ray (Pat) Steichen, Glen (Juanita) Steichen, Rosemary (Milton) Severson, Jack Steichen and Mary Steichen in infancy; her brother-in-law, Richard Konrardy; her niece, Dr. Lynn Malec-Brown; her nephew, Gene Steichen, and her Great-Niece, Jewel Kieffer.

Rita’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.  We would also like to extend a special thank you to Deacon Doug Kremer at St. Mary’s along with all of Rita’s caregivers including Mary-Lou Konrardy, Jeanie Vorwald, Jody Kieffer and her dearest niece, Lynda Brimmer for all of their time, love and support they have provided to Rita.  May your kindness and generosity return to you immeasurably.

Online condolences for Rita’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com